Power play! Guide for bringing kids to a Detroit Red Wings game

Catching a Red Wings game at The Joe offers a fun family outing for all ages.

DETROIT, MI - Hockeytown is back, as it is red and raging as ever. But the question looms for parents across Metro Detroit: Do you dare the stares, glares and glowers of other fans if you take your bouncing bundle of joy with you to a game?

That depends. The issue of whether children should attend ANYTHING looms for every Mom and Dad. When the kids are babies, most tend to subscribe to the loaf-of-bread philosophy – would said bread have the same level of enjoyment at an event as the baby would? If so, you probably need a sitter or to just stay home. Get used to it, parents. Fun as you knew it is, for all intents and purposes, largely over.

That said, the Detroit Red Wings want you at their games (2013 Schedule). The organization is welcoming to fans of all ages, and there are Kids Clubs and family friendly pricing on ticket packages for a reason. For example, there are Meijer Coke Zero Family Packs, which get you two tickets, two hot dogs and two soft drinks for $54. That’s a pretty fair price to see a professional game and enjoy a meal together – considering taking the same kid to see “Rise of the Guardians” is going to cost pretty much the same when you add popcorn or nachos to the deal.

Here are some tips from veteran parents to get you going:

Try a warm-up event first. Maybe check out a Grand Rapids Griffins game or the Great Lakes Invitational tourney at the Joe. These smaller events give you a chance to see how the kid will fare inside such a noisy, chaotic spot without dolling out so much money. The GLI game on Feb. 2 between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University collegiate hockey teams starts at a convenient 4:05 p.m., so it won’t mess with bedtime. And the rivalry between those teams, the quality of the coaches and the skill of the players are reasonably close to a pro team.

Think about parking. Try a surface lot a bit further away from the Joe. There are great lots on Congress next to the People Mover station in the Financial District. Other ideas are those near Greektown or the Renaissance Center. The prices are better, and the kids will love riding the People Mover (really, for them, it’s a treat. Just remember your quarters!).

Try eating somewhere nearby before going into the arena. Kids are little engines. Put some coal in, and they’ll chug along nicely. Forget to feed them, and get ready for a temper tantrum right before the puck drops. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly bars near Joe Louis where you can pick up a pizza or hot-dog dinner for a reasonable price. Consider Hockeytown restaurant to see the memorabilia there, and the Grand Circus People Mover station.

If you’re willing to plan ahead, set up a reservation at The Signature Grill, a restaurant adjacent to the Joe at Riverfront Towers apartments. You can typically park at the apartment garage if you’ve got your name in with the restaurant. The food’s not overly expensive, especially if you do just a couple appetizers and drinks. Plus, there is an amazing view of the Detroit River and Canada to keep everyone happy. There also is an indoor tunnel to walk to the game. You’ll be out of there and home in your PJs before most fans have even started their cars.

Look for end seats. If you have a choice, try to sit in a position where constant trips to the bathroom or for snacks won’t bother your fellow patrons. Nothing creates more animosity among fans than being stepped over constantly.

Don’t wait until the game is over to leave. If you stay until the bitter end, you’ll be joining hundreds of people into the People Mover. They’ll smash your kids as soon as to look at them. If you’d like to avoid the shoving match, get out early and get moving back to your car. The freeways will be less crowded as well, and everyone can enjoy a cursing-free nap on the way home.